Falafels (Gluten Free)

This recipe is: dairy free, egg free, soy free, wheat free, gluten free, vegan, rice free, corn free

Contains: As far as I can tell it is allergen free. The choice of flour is up to the chef so anything can be avoided.

1 cup dried chickpeas

1/2 large onion, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper

4 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten free)

2-4 tablespoons brown rice or potato flour (really any will do)

vegetable oil for frying

Place the drained, uncooked chickpeas and the onions in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the parsley, cilantro, salt, hot pepper, garlic, and cumin. Process until blended but not pureed.

Sprinkle in the baking powder and 2 tablespoons of the flour, and pulse. You want to add enough flour so that the dough forms a small ball and no longer sticks to your hands. Turn into a bowl and refrigerate, covered, for 15 minutes.

Form the chickpea mixture into balls about the size of walnuts.  Heat the oil on high in a deep pan and fry 1 ball to test. If it falls apart, add a little flour. Then fry about 6 balls at once for a few minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Goes great with the quinoa tabbouleh...



Vegan Stir Fry

This recipe is: gluten free, wheat free, corn free, dairy free, soy free, vegan, nut free, egg free

Contains: Rice, Sesame Seeds

Alternatives: If you need to do without the rice, try blanching some baby potatoes and adding it to the mix. Sesame seeds and oil do add to the flavor but if you must do without try peanut oil and crushed peanut to top. (If peanuts are out of the question just add a bit more olive oil. It will still taste great but you may need to add more herbs, salt or peppers.)

Who doesn't love stir-fry? But when you have a soy allergy getting your fix can be a little bit of a challenge. So after a little research I began to see ways of getting around this pesky ingredient. Thankfully not much trial and error was involved since the majority of the ingredients are bursting with flavor.

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 scallions, finely chopped (white and green parts)

1-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends removes, cut into 3 inch strips

10 oz sugar-snap peas

1 small orange bell pepper, chopped

1 package bunapi mushrooms (white beech mushrooms)

1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds

2 handfuls chopped cilantro leaves

1 handful chopped mint leaves

Add salt and red chili peppers to taste

Heat both the oils in a wok over high heat. Add scallions and cook, stirring continuously, about 1 minute. Add the ginger, bell pepper and garlic. Stir in asparagus and cook, stirring continuously, 1 minute.

Add the snap peas and mushrooms, cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Finally stir in the chopped herbs and sesame seeds. Add salt and red chili flakes to taste. Serve over rice or rice noodles.

**Recipe adapted from A Cook's Bible